As fitted to the earliest versions of the Gibson EB-0 and EB-2 basses from 1958 onwards, and the EB-3 and Epiphone Newport from 1961. The basic construction of the pickup coils did not change, beyond this time, though the covers and means of mounting did. Basses were only fitted with this bakelite cover between 1958 and 1962, after which they upgraded to nickel. The images below show the mounted pickup, a 1961 Gibson EB3 with the pickup cover removed, and the underside of the cover itself.
Black covers were fitted to the EB-0 and the EB-2, until it was replaced by the EB-3 in 1961. The EB-3 cover, however, was silver-coloured, but with very poor-wearing coating; finding one with significant silvering today is very unusual indeed. When nickel covers were introduced, they were immediately fitted to the EB-3, with last stocks of bakelite covers being used up on the EB-0 and Newport. The mounting screw spacing of bakelite covered humbuckers differs from either of the later metal versions; replacing the pickup cover with a non original part would require new mounting holes.
The pickup itself consisted of two coils wound on a metal former sharing an axis perpendicular to the length of the guitar, hence the nickname sidewinder. An Alnico magnet is attached either end of the coils, with polepieces in the very centre. This coils were very heavily wound, producing a loud, fat sound, and having a D.C. resistance of around 30kΩ give or take an ohm or two; in the early days these coils were hand-wound in Kalamazoo, so there is greater variance from pickup to pickup than would be expected today.
Some basses fitted with this pickup
Soundclips
Have a listen to a 1961 EB3 neck pickup (more soundclips of this bass here).
List of Gibson bass guitar pickups
Gibson bass pickups for sale
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Gibson 1970's Black SB Bass Mini Humbucker Neck Pickup
Glassboro, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
Gibson Dependable
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: ... more
Home of the most First and most Dependable Gibson parts on Ebay
U S.A. and Worldwide Bidders Welcomed
How many of you guitar enthusiast out there have always wanted to build yourselves that awesome project guitar, but didn??t want to spend the money on a full guitar only to dismantle it. Well, here is your opportunity do so. We sell high end name brand parts and project guitars specifically for the purpose of building your own custom one off guitar
Description: ... more
Vintage 70's Gibson Grabber G3 Bass Guitar Pickup
Graham, North Carolina, 272**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$112
Vintage 70's era Gibson Grabber G3 bass pickup. Maybe the bridge position. Not sure. Functions fine. Pickup tests at 5 4K. The wires lengths are pictured. No mounting hardware included. Please ask any questions that need to be addressed before purchasing. Thanks for looking
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Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickup Cover For EB-0 EB-1 EB-3 Circa 60's
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$125
This listing is for an original Vintage Gibson EB Style Bass Guitar Humbucker pickup cover. This listing is for the cover only and is from a vintage Gibson bass guitar from the late 1960's or 1970's. The cover is for the Humbucker or Mudbucker type Gibson pickup that came on all EB bass guitars such as the EB-0, EB-2 and EB-3 models. The cover is chrome and comes as pictured with no mounting screws. The cover shows wear such as scratches and oxidation but should install fine. Please look at the ... more
60s Gibson Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickup Cover EB-0 EB-1 EB-3 Vintage Part
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$139
Chrome over brass, normal light vintage wear, nice original vintage Gibson part. Thanks for looking
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1970's Gibson EB-3 BASS Pickup Mounting Rings + Screws ORIGINAL Surrounds
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$150
This is an original pair of mounting rings taken from an early 70's Gibson EB-3 Bass. Original mounting screws are included. Normal vintage wear. No cracks
Sales tax will be added by Ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.... more
Sales tax will be added by Ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.... more
1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar Pickup
State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Up for sale is an 1978 Gibson RD Artist bass guitar pickup. 100% percent working condition. Thanks for looking and please and any questions. Most of my items ship the next day if purchased before 8pm EST
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1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar Pickup
State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
Up for sale is an 1978 Gibson RD Artist bass guitar pickup. 100% percent working condition. Thanks for looking and please and any questions. Most of my items ship the next day if purchased before 8pm EST
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Vintage 1970's Gibson G-3 Bass or S-1 BRIDGE Pickup 5 41
Cincinnati, Ohio, 452**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$175
70??s EB-3 Gibson USA Mini Humbucker Bass Guitar Pickup Bridge Chrome 4 String
State College, Pennsylvania, 168**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$220
Up for sale is a late 60's or early 70??s Gibson USA EB-3 Patent Number bridge bass guitar humbucker. It's in 100% working condition. Most of my items ship within 24 hours of payment. Thanks for looking!
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Vintage 60s 70s Gibson Mini-Humbucker BASS Pickup 6 06 ohms for EB-3 EB-2D #4777
Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
This is an original vintage 60s-70s Chrome covered Gibson Mini-Humbucker pickup as used on bridge position of EB-3 EB-2D. It shows normal vintage wear. Some scratches and string wear on the chrome cover. worn Pat. number sticker on back. Reads 6 06 on my meter. Original solder to the cover. I cannot guarantee exact ohm readings, but I do guarantee that the pickup works and sounds as it should.... more
Vintage 60s 70s Gibson Mini-Humbucker BASS Pickup 6 26 ohms for EB-3 EB-2D #4870
Lafayette, Louisiana, 705**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
This is an original vintage 60s-70s Chrome covered Gibson Mini-Humbucker pickup as used on bridge position of EB-3 EB-2D. It shows normal vintage wear. Some scratches and string wear on the chrome cover. worn Pat. number sticker on back. Reads 6 25 on my meter. Original solder to the cover. I cannot guarantee exact ohm readings, but I do guarantee that the pickup works and sounds as it should.... more
Vintage 1960's-70s Gibson EB-0 EB-3 or EB-2 Bass Pickup
Portland, Maine, 041**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$269
Vintage 1960's-70s Gibson EB-0 EB-3 or EB-2 Bass Pickup reads 30 57 on my ohm meter... more
Gibson USA Thunderbird Bass Guitar Pickup 9 75K
Port Charlotte, Florida, 339**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$270
This is a Gibson USA Thunderbird Bass Guitar Pickup Reads a strong 9 75K on my meter here in Florida There is some wear on the cover, normal scratches, marks, etc Please look at all the pictures Sold as is All Sales Final No Returns Buyer pays shipping, thanks
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Vintage 1970's Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass MIDDLE Pickup 5 45
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
This came from the middle position of a 1976 Gibson S-1. Same pickup as used on G-3 Basses. Reads 5 45 ohms on my meter with full length for (S-1) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in good shape, but there's some wear on the cover. Original Springs and screws included.
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making ... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making ... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass NECK Pickup 5 50
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
This came from the neck position of a 1976 Gibson S-1. Same pickup as used on G-3 Basses. Reads 5 50 ohms on my meter with full length for (S-1) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in good shape, but there's some wear on the cover. Small chip on the underside. Won't be seen when installed. Original Springs and screws included.
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than... more
Gibson 1960's era EBO Sidewinder Bass Pickup with Black Cover
Dunnellon, Florida, 344**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
Gibson 60's era pickup that came off a 60's era EBO. This is a sidewinder humbucker with a black cover.... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson S-1 Guitar or G-3 Bass BRIDGE Pickup 5 348
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$280
This came from the bridge position of a 1976 Gibson S-1. Same pickup as used on G-3 Basses. Reads 5 348 ohms on my meter with full length for (S-1) wire. I can't guarantee that it will read the same on yours, but I do guarantee that it works as it should. It's in good shape, but there's some wear on the cover. Springs and screws included. Two springs are not original
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers ... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers ... more
Gibson 1960s Chrome EB-3 Bass mini-Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$283
Gibson 1960s Chrome EB-3 Bass mini-Humbucker Bridge Pickup
6 87K Lead Length: Approximately 7 inches.
ORIGINAL Black Patent No. 2, 737, 842 sticker on the bottom
Comes with original mounting Bolts and springs
SHIPPED FULLY INSURED... more
6 87K Lead Length: Approximately 7 inches.
ORIGINAL Black Patent No. 2, 737, 842 sticker on the bottom
Comes with original mounting Bolts and springs
SHIPPED FULLY INSURED... more
Vintage 1970's Gibson EB-0 EB-3 or EB-2 Bass Neck Pickup
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
This pickup came off of a mid 70's Gibson EB-3 Bass. Reads 30 32 ohms. I don't guarantee exact ohm readings, but I do guarantee full output. Full length wire. Wear and string marks on cover
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any ... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any ... more
Vintage early-mid 1970's Gibson EB-2 or EB-3 Bass BRIDGE Pickup 5 96
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$300
Normal vintage wear. Minor scratches and string wear on cover. Reads 5 96 on my meter. I can't guarantee exact ohm readings but I do guarantee full output. Full length 7 inches of wire. Original screws and springs included
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or ... more
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or ... more